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United States Patent | 5,057,098 |
Zelman | October 15, 1991 |
Apparatus and method for extracting cataract tissue in which the cataract is first softened by focusing laser radiation thereon and subsequently a tube inserted through an incision to a position adjacent the cataract. An irrigating liquid is supplied through one portion of the tube and the liquid and cataract fragments removed via an aspiration opening adjacent the tube opening. Fragments which do not readily pass through the aspiration opening are dislodged by vibration or broken up by a paddle like member pivotally mounted adjacent the aspirating opening to engage the fragment and apply a force to break up the same. The tube has a shovel shaped tip which facilitates separation of fragments from the cataract body and facilitates location of the same adjacent the aspiration opening.
Inventors: | Zelman; Jerry (Miami Beach, FL) |
Assignee: | Ophthalmocare, Inc. (Los Gatos, CA) |
Appl. No.: | 245144 |
Filed: | September 16, 1988 |
Current U.S. Class: | 606/6; 604/22; 604/27; 604/28; 604/266; 606/107 |
Intern'l Class: | A61B 017/00 |
Field of Search: | 128/303.1,395 604/20,22,27,28,30,35,266-268,902 606/6,14,107 |
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2137635 | Nov., 1938 | Tyler | 604/267. |
3589363 | Jun., 1971 | Banko | 604/27. |
3693613 | Sep., 1972 | Kelman | 604/22. |
3930505 | Jan., 1976 | Wallach | 604/28. |
3942519 | Mar., 1976 | Shock | 128/303. |
3982541 | Sep., 1976 | L'Esperance | 604/20. |
3996935 | Dec., 1976 | Banko | 604/28. |
4011869 | Mar., 1977 | Seiler, Jr. | 604/267. |
4223676 | Sep., 1980 | Wuchinich | 604/22. |
4520816 | Jun., 1985 | Schachan et al. | 128/303. |
4522206 | Jun., 1985 | Whipple et al. | 128/305. |
4633866 | Jan., 1987 | Peyman et al. | 128/303. |
4694828 | Sep., 1987 | Eichenbaum | 128/303. |
Foreign Patent Documents | |||
175096 | Mar., 1986 | EP | 604/33. |